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How to Store Values in a List in Python?

Published in Python Data Structures 2 mins read

In Python, you can store values effectively by creating a list.

Creating a List in Python

Based on the provided information, the primary way to store multiple values in a single structure is by using a list.

  • Syntax: You create a list by placing the values you want to store inside square brackets [ ].
  • Separation: Each individual value within the brackets is separated by a comma.
  • Elements: Each value stored in a list is commonly referred to as an element.
# Example: Creating a simple list
my_list = [1, "hello", 3.14, True]

What Can You Store in a List?

A key advantage of Python lists is their flexibility. A single list can hold a variety of data types simultaneously.

  • Integers: Whole numbers (e.g., 1, 100, -5).
  • Decimal values: Floating-point numbers (e.g., 3.14, -0.5, 2.0).
  • Strings: Sequences of characters (e.g., "hello", "Python programming").
  • Objects: Instances of classes or other Python data structures (including other lists!).

There is no practical limit to the number of items a list can hold; it can store as many elements as you require.

Understanding List Structure

Lists are ordered collections, meaning the position of each element is maintained. This ordering allows you to access or modify elements based on their index (position).

Feature Description Example
Syntax Values enclosed in square brackets [ ] [item1, item2]
Separator Commas , separate elements [1, 2, 3]
Elements Individual values within the list 1, "apple", 5.5
Data Types Can store various types (int, float, str, etc.) [1, "hello", 3.14]
Length Can contain any number of items [], [1], [1, 2, ..., 1000]

Using lists is a fundamental concept in Python for organizing and managing collections of data.